Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Ahiram is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel. His name is associated with the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name "Ahiram" is believed to mean "brother of the exalted" or "my brother is exalted," reflecting the common practice of the time to incorporate the name of God or a divine attribute into personal names.
Biblical References:Ahiram is mentioned in the Book of Numbers, which provides a census of the tribes of Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. In
Numbers 26:38-39 , the descendants of Benjamin are listed: "The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were: the Belaite clan from Bela, the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel, the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram, the Shuphamite clan from Shupham, and the Huphamite clan from Hupham."
Tribal Significance:Ahiram is identified as the progenitor of the Ahiramite clan within the tribe of Benjamin. The tribe of Benjamin holds a significant place in Israel's history, being the tribe of King Saul, the first king of Israel, and later, the Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the New Testament. The mention of Ahiram in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society.
Historical Context:The genealogies in the Book of Numbers were recorded during the Israelites' wilderness journey after their exodus from Egypt. These records served not only as a census but also as a means to organize the tribes for military and religious purposes. The inclusion of Ahiram in these records highlights the continuity and preservation of tribal identities as the Israelites transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to settling in the Promised Land.
Cultural and Theological Insights:Names in the Bible often carry significant meanings and reflect the cultural and religious values of the time. Ahiram's name, suggesting exaltation, may indicate a recognition of God's sovereignty and the hope for divine favor. The genealogical records, including those of Ahiram, emphasize the importance of heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the multiplication and settlement of their descendants.
Conclusion:While Ahiram himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his mention in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the tribes of Israel. The Ahiramite clan, like other clans, contributed to the rich tapestry of Israel's history and identity as God's chosen people.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Ahirambrother of craft, or of protection
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Ahiram(brother of height, lofty), one of the sons of Benjamin, and ancestor of the AHIRAMITES (Numbers 26:38) In (Genesis 46:21) the name appears as "Ehi and Rosh." It is uncertain whether Ahiram is the same asAHER, (1 Chronicles 7:12) orAHARAH, (1 Chronicles 8:1)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
AHIRAMa-hi'-ram ('achiram, "exalted brother," or "my brother is exalted"):
A son of Benjamin. Mentioned third of the five inNumbers 26:38, 39. In1 Chronicles 8:1 five sons are likewise mentioned, being explicitly numbered; the third name, Aharah ('achrach), is conjectured to be either a corruption of Ahiram or a different name for the same person. In1 Chronicles 7:6 is a fuller list of Benjamite names, but it is fragmentary and not clear. In it occurs Aher ('acher), which may be either Ahiram or Aharah with the end of the word lost. InGenesis 46:21 ten sons of Benjamin are mentioned, some being there counted as sons who, in the other lists, are spoken of as more remote descendants. In this list Ehi ('echi) is perhaps Ahiram shortened. SeeAHARAH;AHER; EHI.
Willis J. Beecher
Strong's Hebrew
298. Achirami -- descendant ofAhiram... descendant of
Ahiram. Transliteration: Achirami Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ee-raw-mee')
Short Definition: Ahiramites.
... of
Ahiram NASB Word Usage Ahiramites (1).
...297. Achiram -- "brother of (the) lofty," a son of Benjamin
... Achiram. 298 . "brother of (the) lofty," a son of Benjamin. Transliteration: Achiram
Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ee-rawm') Short Definition:Ahiram....Ahiram....
Library
Chapter xlvi
... "Eli" (v.21) appears as "Ahiram" in Numbers, "Muppim" as "Shephupham," but in I
Chron. s "Shuppim." "Huppim" appears as "Hupham" in Numbers only....
Thesaurus
Ahiram (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
AHIRAM.
... In it occurs Aher ('acher), which may
be either
Ahiram or Aharah with the end of the word lost.
...Ahiramite (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AHIRAMITE. a-hi'-ram-it ('achirami, "of the family
ofAhiram"; Numbers 26:38). SeeAHIRAM. Multi-Version Concordance...
Ahi'ram (1 Occurrence)
Ahi'ram.Ahiram, Ahi'ram. Ahiramite . Multi-Version Concordance Ahi'ram
(1 Occurrence)....Ahiram, Ahi'ram. Ahiramite . Reference Bible.
Ashbelite (1 Occurrence)
... In 1 Chronicles 8:1 the three names Bela, Ashbel, Aharah (=Ahiram) are taken from
Numbers 26:38, however, without change. HJ Wolf. Multi-Version Concordance...
Ashbel (3 Occurrences)
... In 1 Chronicles 8:1 the three names Bela, Ashbel, Aharah (=Ahiram) are taken from
Numbers 26:38, however, without change. HJ Wolf. Multi-Version Concordance...
Aharah (1 Occurrence)
... har-a, a-har'-a ('achrach; A, Aara; B, Iaphael, "brother of Rach," or, a brother's
follower, though some regard it as a textual corruption forAhiram): A son...
Belaites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:38 The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of
the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; ofAhiram, the family of...
Be'la-ites (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:38 The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of
the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; ofAhiram, the family of...
Belaite (1 Occurrence)
... Numbers 26:38 The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of
the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; ofAhiram, the family of...
Bela (14 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:38 The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of
the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; ofAhiram, the family of...
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